Travel Insurance for International Trips — Complete Guide
- Schengen visa requires mandatory travel insurance with at least 30,000 euros medical cover
- One night in a US hospital ICU can cost Rs 5-10 lakh - travel insurance is not optional
- 7-day Europe trip insurance costs Rs 500-Rs 1,500 - negligible against potential medical bills
- Your Indian health insurance does NOT cover treatment abroad in most standard plans
- Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded from travel insurance - always read the fine print
Medical costs abroad are financially devastating without insurance. An ambulance ride in the US costs Rs 1-2 lakh. A single night in an American hospital ICU runs Rs 5-10 lakh. Your standard Indian health plan does not cover international treatment unless explicitly stated - which most plans do not.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
| Coverage | Standard Plan | Comprehensive | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical emergency | $50,000 | $500,000+ | US ICU costs $10K+ per day |
| Medical evacuation | Included | Included | Air ambulance costs Rs 40L+ |
| Trip cancellation | Not included | Up to trip cost | Recover non-refundable bookings |
| Baggage loss | $500-1,000 | $2,000+ | Airlines rarely compensate fairly |
| Passport loss | Included | Included | Emergency travel docs covered |
| Flight delay (6hr+) | Not included | Hotel and meals covered | Unexpected layovers add up fast |
Best Travel Insurance Plans 2026
| Plan | 7-Day Europe | 7-Day USA | Medical Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bajaj Allianz Travel Companion | Rs 680 | Rs 1,200 | $500,000 |
| HDFC Ergo Travel Insurance | Rs 750 | Rs 1,400 | $500,000 |
| ICICI Lombard Travel Care | Rs 820 | Rs 1,600 | $1,000,000 |
| Tata AIG Travel Guard | Rs 590 | Rs 1,100 | $500,000 |
| Star Health Overseas Travel | Rs 700 | Rs 1,300 | $500,000 |
Best price-to-coverage ratio. $500,000 medical cover, 24/7 assistance helpline, covers baggage loss, passport loss, trip cancellation, and flight delays. Works for Schengen visa requirements.
Compare PlansFrequently Asked Questions
Is travel insurance mandatory for Schengen visa?
Yes. Schengen visa applications require travel insurance with minimum 30,000 euros medical cover valid for the entire Schengen area and full trip duration.
Does my Indian health insurance work abroad?
Most standard Indian health plans do not cover treatment abroad. A few premium plans from Niva Bupa and Star Health offer international coverage as an optional add-on.
What is not covered in travel insurance?
Pre-existing conditions, adventure sports like bungee jumping or skydiving, self-inflicted injuries, travel to war zones, and pregnancy complications are typically excluded.
How do I file a claim from abroad?
Call the 24/7 assistance helpline immediately. For emergencies, they arrange direct hospital payment. For smaller claims, collect all bills and file online or by courier after returning to India.